Nigerian Shiites Protest Killing of Iran's Khamenei

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) took to the streets in several northern states, including Kano, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), to protest the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests were sparked by reports of Khamenei's death during a joint military operation involving the United States and Israel.

Demonstrators carried portraits of Khamenei and chanted slogans condemning the actions of the U.S. and Israel, describing the killing as a global act of arrogance and a direct attack on the Shiite faith worldwide. Khamenei had been a central figure in Shiite leadership since 1989.

The Iranian government confirmed his death through state media, leading to a national mourning period of 40 days. In response to the protests, the Nigerian government called for calm and urged international parties to pursue dialogue rather than military action.

However, IMN leaders asserted that the blood of martyrs would not go in vain, raising concerns about potential domestic instability.